The Rhodesian Security Forces benefited from the kindness of various associations which came to prominence during the Rhodesia war.One such was the Friends of Rhodesia which was based in the Republic of South Africa and thery made goods available to our troops.During this same period many Rhodesian companies also donated goods, we complained that not enough beer was been handed in (joke) but be assured these many associations and companies were there when required and they can certainly hold their heads high with their achievements.What follows are a few photographs which were made available to ORAFs by Barrie York (RhAF) - they cover the work mentioned above.Text to Photograph 1 reads:-Presented to the Rhodesian Air Force By The Friends of Rhodesia Association, East London October 1968EndComments are welcome - please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Thanks to Barrie for sharing his photographs with ORAFs.Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

The following photographs were made available to ORAFs by Barrie York (RhAF) Thanks Barrie. I think the photographs were taken when Ed Potteron was Officer Commanding No. 7 Squadron (1979-1980) Replies to orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Peter Petter Bowyer entered into rest at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, UK. He had been in that Hospital for the last 10 or 14 days battling septicaemia brought about by an adverse reaction to \"new Muties\" given for his long -term Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. He had been showing signs of improving/responding well. End Thanks to Keith Corrans for sharing this infrmation with ORAFs. Peter attested into the Rhodesian Air Force with 10 SSU and was awarded his Wings on August 19, 1958

Alan Cockle (Navigator) Rogues Gallery ATACAMA DESERT CROSSING RACE Keith Kemsley (RhAF) Writes:- Pleased to report that my Grandson Daniel Rowland competing under the Zimbabwe Flag has won the 250km Atacama Desert Crossing Race. He won the first stage in a new record time and won the next four Stages. On the final sixth stage he finished fourth but had built up a substantial lead of 36 minutes over the second placed man and two hours over the third. We are proud of him The party has started and the Atacama Crossing 2013 Awards Banquet is taking place at the moment. Once again, congratulations to the Overall Champion Daniel Rowland (Zimbabwe), Women\'s Champion Rebecca Pattinson (United Kingdom) and Team Champion KIZUNA (Japan). [Congratulations to Daniel and family. A wonderful achievement so walk tall Daniel] Photographs of the event can be viewed at http://www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/photos-100 REUNION 2014 Just a routine follow up to the request distributed by the AFA (Cape) regarding the reunion in February 2014. When the Federation ended there was an exodus of manpower from the Royal Rhodesian Air Force and to address the shortage the number of Technical intakes for 1964 increased to 4. This then, is the base for the celebration but the committee acknowledged that in 1964 there was a Pilot Training Course and a number if direct entries so the party was \'thrown open.\' To organise such a function requires a great deal of back room work and leg work. In view of this may, I please call on all to let Johnny Ness or Tony Cowell know if they will be attending and to please drop a note to these gents to let them know accordingly. Johnny is on jness@telkomsa.net and Tony is on tonyandpam@telkomsa.net Please mail any questions you may have to either Johnny or Tony, the role of ORAFs is to support the AFA. Please do not be alarmed or upset if you start to receive information on the Cape Province, this will be Publicity Offices and that type of information. Also I have been asked to advise you all that there is not truth in the allegation that Cape Town is called the \"Mother City\" because it takes nine months to get anything done in Cape Town! Time is ticking away, and we know this gets faster each year, so please give this matter your urgent attention and let Johnny or Tony know of your decision. Thank you for your time. MAP OF COURAGE Nigel Fotheringham (RhAF) Writes:- Please thank Mitch for this story. You have no idea how much time I have spent trawling through stories like this over the years looking for a mention of my father?s brother, Claude Fotheringham, and bingo, there is his name in the Roll of Honour in this article. He was killed in a training accident flying a Tiger Moth somewhere near Marandellas. But I never knew where he was based or his rank. Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/map-of-courage.html NEIL AND JOHANNA JACKSON NEWS Neill (RhArmy) Writes:- I have resigned from my position on the farm in Villiersdorp (Cape) and we are starting a new venture at the beginning of April. We have rented a house on a farm near Howick, in the Natal Midlands, and I will be based out of Pietermaritzburg. We are moving over the weekend 16/17 March. We are going to be training small scale and emerging farmers in SA and neighbouring countries, and are busy updating and upgrading a modular agricultural course originally written by a former Gwebi lecturer. We will be operating under the auspices of NOSA, the occupational health and safety organization. Our company is called NOSA Agricultural Services. [Best of luck to Neill and Johanna.] SEEKING JOHNNY NORMAN Johnny Ness (RhAF) is wishing to contact Johnny Norman (12 LAR - Instruments) Replies to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com STANLEY ALEXANDER JONES Adrian Jones (Son ) Writes:- My father Stanley Alexander Jones served in the RRAF during the war in Salisbury. If I?m not mistaken he was a flight lieutenant. I do not have any further details re his service etc. Maybe you can enlighten me. He passed away in 1996 Replies to direct to Adrian on zag_aa@keh.co.il DEATH NOTIFICATION - PETER PETTER-BOWYER Messages of sympathy that have been received can be view by clicking on the link below/ Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1114372&comments=1 PASSING OF MARY WALKER James Ley, via Gus Mason (RhAF) Writes:- sad news that Mary Walker, wife of Brig Vic Walker passed away on Wednesday 6th March in the Medway Maritime Hospital. No other details are available at this time. WORLD WAR 2 PHOTOGRAPHS Mike Lonquet-Higgins (RhArmy) comments on the link circulated these photographs. A great reminder of fine brave men and their flying machines. But No braver or magnificent than those to be found serving in the Rhodesian Air Force Pilots & Technicians alike !! HOME COMFORTS AT A FORWARD AIR FIELD Andrew Walker (RhAF) Writes:- I?m pretty sure the FAF shown in the photo?s is FAF5 ? Mtoko. I think that the guy in the last photo, standing outside ?The Choppers Arms?, second from the left, is Tony Taylor, an A and B reservist. I also think the second photo is taken looking towards the camp commandants hut and beyond that is the ops room. The photos must have been taken around ?78/79 because the pool was only put in towards the ?end?, thanks to the generosity of the forces welfare fund. Andre du Plessis (RhAF) Writes:- I believe these are photos of FAF 5, Mtoko. Photo three looks very familiar, and of course there\'s the pub. I do not recognise any odd the members though. Malcolm Baillie (RhAF) Writes:- In the picture of the four \" Off Duty \" guys , I am actually 2nd from the left Camp Commandant , know the faces but not the names of the others Steve Russell (RhAF) Writes:- I am not sure but it looks like Mtoko toward the later years. Bill Sykes (RhAF) Writes:- These photos appear in A Pride of Eagles after page 660 ... They were taken in -+ 1977 ... It is Mtoko (FAF 5) and the Choppers Arms was so named because the pub was shared between the Air Force and Police (Coppers/Choppers). It was the Air Force who organised the black granite counter from the local quarry. FAF 5, as shown, was a little different from the original FAF 5 where we used the old airfield and the mess was a huge hole in the sandy soil five paces wide and five feet deep, no roof. If a mortar had landed in it we would all have been killed. There were no aircraft. I was Camp Commandant for two weeks. It was good to get back to Hunters at Thornhill Ian Armstrong (RhAF) Writes:- Looks like FAF 5 at Mtoko. I can\'t think of another FAF with a pool. Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1110959&comments=1 GLENLIVET Boet Van Der Walt (RhAF) Writes:- My brother-in-law and sister farmed on the south side of Nyuni mountain on the farm Chevdon from 1945. When the Kyle dam was built it actually cut his farm in half, they paid him to build a small bridge on the east side of his farm over the Bevumi river in order to reach the south side of his farm. Glenlivet was over the mountain north of the farm, we visited there quite often. There was a footpath up the mountain from Glenlivet and if you climbed to the top you could drink whatever the previous climbers had left under a rock at the summit but you had to replace it with your own drink. Louis D. Hartley Writes:- When last I heard Glenlivet Hotel is still functioning commercially as a hotel. The major problem is that one of the outlet gates in Kyle wall ( Lake Mutirikwe) is jammed open (no timely repairs and maintenance -a Zanu-Pf \'\'shamwari\'\' fiasco ). This has resulted in the Kyle water level ...shoreline receding dramatically.....the lake is currently measured at around 18 % (after the main rains).... so the water that is usually captured and held ..... is escaping with no control. Sad but true ! Visit: http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/02/glenlivet.html 20 SEAT CONCORDE Mike Hamence (RhAF) Writes:- \'As with the Comet & Concorde, Boeing will never allow it!\' Miles Orbell (RhAF) Writes:- Yup Eddy, what happened to Boeings supersonic passenger plane? Never materialised! This is interesting, but I have my doubts, the cost to a customer will be absolutely astronomical, cost to make it, more astronomical! But I?m sure one day there will be a supersonic Business jet, many years later, but very seriously expensive, I certainly don?t think even the Anglo American Oppenheimers will buy this, they always had a majority share in the Gulfstreams kept at the Anglo Hanger, O. Tambo Airport, they I think, do have a new Gulfstream, great aircraft, fast and expensive. The new technology is impressive, tech is progressing forwards rapidly, wonder what the new NASA Space Shuttle will be like? Old ones were retired recently. 25 (SAAF) SQUADRON CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU 1944 Paul Dubois Writes:- Thanks Eddy, I\'ve posted it on the 25 Squadron SAAF Old Stooges Roost, Face Book site. [Love the title of the Face book Page. Eddy Norris] RHODESIAN ADVERTISEMENT: MATESTSI AND BOMBAY DUCK Trevor Edwards Writes:- James Clampit has sent to me from Adverts from the past\" compiled by Denise Taylor an ad for Matetsi, which I built and managed from 1973 to 1983 when it was sold to Charles Davey, father of Chelsea Davey former girlfriend of Prince Harry. Charles bought it for movable contents, and then sold the shell much demolished to Piers Taylor as a hunting camp. It was \"taken over\" by Government and I believe has been \"acquired\" by Mugabe personally, but I would welcome latest news. My wife Norna, as a newspaper editor in Masvingo, was arrested in 2003, and after numerous appearances in court, and prosecution withdrawn, we fled to the UK, where we live in Devon. It was unique as the only freehold property within National Parks\' area and was thriving from 73 to 76 but then not viable because of political events. In 1958 ? I was the Mashonaland Rugby Football Board\'s Entertainment Manager for the visit of the British Lions. They included a flanker Tug Wilson, who played for the Metropolitan Police in the UK. My school old boys \"Old Rutlishians\" played them and so we struck up an affinity. After the Lions tour, Tug Wilson returned to Rhodesia and opened the Bombay Duck, the first Rhodesian Curry House, although Eastern Delights in Manica Road sold a very good take-away curry in cartons. In later years I lost track of him I have a complete set of Rhodesia calls from my time with the Tourist Board and being on the editorial committee, but thanks for the memory. Visit: http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/02/bombay-duck-salisbury.html and http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/02/matetsi-wild-life-leisure-resort.html CLIFF POTTER NEWS Cliff Potter (RhAF) Writes:- I have been overwhelmed with 40+ emails for my 84th birthday. 90% ex-air force, so many people almost forgotten. As I don\'t have my own computer, I have to rely on my local library 5 minutes walk from where I live to send and receive emails. As I have limited access please could I ask you to publish this email thanking everyone kind enough to send me heart warming greetings. It really made my day special. I have yet another treat to look forward to. The Royal British Legion have awarded me, as an ex-member of the Royal navy, a two week \'coastal sea break\' at Bridlington. God bless you all where ever you are. Africa will always be in my heart. SYD POLWORTH NEWS Syd is up in Zimbabwe on a bit of well deserved rest. Visit: http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/02/bombay-duck-salisbury.html WW2 AVIATOR John Tayler Writes: Re WW2 ? yes the pilot was William James Picken or Bill ? my Dads younger brother & I was named after him. Bill Picken Writes:- He went to Chaplin in Gwelo and was in same rugby team as Ian Smith in 1937&8 & 9.He played for Nuffield schools cricket for Rhodesia in 1939 in SA. He went to the war in about 1940 after some training at Guinea Fowl near Gwelo where there was an RAF Training school. He joined the RAF and was a bomber pilot & Guy Gibson was his CO. He was in 106 squadron & was a Flt Lieutenant when his plane was shot down over Essen on the night of 5 March 1943. He also bombed the Renault armaments factory outside Paris & Berlin, Kiel, Bremen, Hamburg and even flew an 11 hour flight from Lincolnshire to bomb Milan in 1942.Other places I cant remember without looking into his log Book. In 1942 he won the DFC & was presented with his medal with another Rhodesian Grimwood Cooke ( whose nephew is still in Harare) By King George VI. I have all his medals & his log book signed by Guy Gibson. On the air base at Coningsy in Lincolnshire Gibson had a black Labrador called Nigger !! Lynette James & I went to see his grave in Germany in June 2011 at the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery ? which is near Kleve on the Dutch German border. It was a moving experience for us as we were the first family members ever to visit Bill?s grave. He was 21 when he was killed in the Lancaster bomber. He flew in all three 1000 bomber raids on Germany I think. MELSETTER AND THE MOODIE PIONEERS Rob Picton (Intaf) Writes:- Thanks for today\'s Melsetter post Eddy - great early morning nostalgia! Kevin Schlachter (Witbank, RSA) Writes:- Franscois has been kind enough to keep me in the loop with our Manica history . My Grand Father, John Schlachter, arrived with the Pioneer Corp ,holding the rank of assistant conductor with the units transport section . I am told that he is buried in Umtali and that the Schlachter family , have had a close relationship with the Steyns, Ekhards and Crugers . My father, Eddie Schlachter started his working career on the Railways in Umtali and was involved with Raylton Sports club and Inyazura during the Salty Du Rand /Ryk Van Schoor era. Although my schooling was in Redcliff and at Gifford Tech ,Bulawayo , I spent most of my National service (intake147) , at Carmel College/Addams Barracks. My father in-law was Col Robin Brown of the Rhodesian Artillery, whose unit also had a close relationship with the town of Umtali. Thank you for the fond memories and for us being be able to show our friends, of the life and times of our Rhodesia. Andrew Sternslow (Umtali) Writes:- Thanks for your blog and all that is shown on it. Memoriesso many for such a short space of time. I went to Chancellor Junior School?1963/4 and Umtali Boys High?.1965/9. Would really like to touch bases with any of my old class mates of the period who may subscribe to your blog. Edelweiss Krige (nee Smith ? Freestone) Writes:- windsong@r63.co.za Just to let you know that my grandfather was with the Moodie trek and married one of the Moodie girls. I believe that he originated from Scotland and when the Prince of Wales came out to Rhodesia in the early 20s specially asked to see him. He was given a farm in Salisbury which can be seen from the airport. Thanks for all the info. Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/melsetter-and-story-of-moodie-pioneers.html MONTMORENCY John Hepple (RhAF) Writes:- Thanks for the article on Rob\'s great uncle. I wonder if he was really buried at Dordrecht, which is 68km east of Molteno. There is a large Boer war cemetery at Molteno and as it is close to Stormburg would seem to be the likely place to be buried. We go to this area with the Geology students and when next in Molteno will try and find the grave. Nick Baalbergen (Intaf) Writes:- He had a great respect for the Boer Commandos, even though he fought for the British. He was one of several prominent military figures to express and record this respect for the Boer farmer/soldiers. Others to do so were British WWII General Montgomery (Monty) and US WWII General Patton TEA TIME AT A FORWARD AIR FIELD Dave Thorne (RhAF) Writes:- The 3rd Unknown in the second photo is Carlos da Silva of 3 Sqn. Sorry, I don?t know ?where?. Rodger Thomas (RhAF) Writes:- I believe the person standing to the right of Danny Svoboda is Carlos Silviera (3 Sqn Captain). Ed Potterton (RhAF) Writes:- Great photographs, Eddy, I think it has to be earlier than 1979-80. Steve Kesby was probably too senior by then to have been a FAF Commander. More likely my 4 Sqn days 76 -78. The verandah in the background ought to help identify the FAF, but I cannot recall. I think probably Mtoko. George Posselt Writes:- Think the \'unknown\' in the front seated on the wall is Brian van Buuren, farmer from Burma Valley, C210. FAF5? John Hill (BSAP) Writes:- Steve Kesby is, I think, son of Oliver Kesby BSAP & Rhodesian cricketer ? now deceased. Last saw Steve in Pinetown some 8 years ago. Think he is/was member of MOTH ?Better-Ole? Shellhole. Visit: http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1113293&comments=1 RAAF F-111 BELLY LANDING Robin Hartley (RhArmy) Writes:- Just a quick note to correct a misapprehension over my participation in the security forces of Rhodesia. I commenced my territorial training in Salisbury in 1955 and I was commissioned into the Federal Army in 1957 with the 1st Battalion RRR. I continued serving until 1980 -for the last 20 years as an LO to the 3rd Brigade.I am not a member of the Hartley family of CAA and Air Rhodesia fame. {Rob, many great men started in RRR, including me. Eddy Norris] RHODESIAN ADVERTISEMENT- PEKING RESTAURANT Paul Brooks (Air Rhod) Writes:- Peking Restaurant in Bulawayo run by Tony Lee- what memories- Used to go fishing with him in a dam close to Bulawayo. and then he left and went to Los Angeles where we stayed with him whilst our family visited Disneyland. He was running a toy shop in LA and doing very well- sadly we lost contact with him. Visit. http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/03/peking-chinese-restaurant-bulawayo.html SMILE A WHILE The God\'s Honest Truth In ancient Israel , it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dorothy. And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com. And she said unto Abraham, her husband, \"Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?\" And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, \"How, dear?\" And Dot replied, \"I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you who hath the best price. The sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah\'s Pony Stable (UPS).\" Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever having to move from his tent.. To prevent neighbouring countries from overhearing what the drums were saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew.. It was known as Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS), and she also developed a language to transmit ideas and pictures - Hebrew To The People (HTTP). And the young men did take to Dot Com\'s trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Sybarites, or NERDS. And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer, Brother William of Gates, who bought off every drum maker in the land. Indeed he did insist on drums to be made that would work only with Brother Gates\' drumheads and drumsticks. And Dot did say, \"Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others.\" And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel , or eBay as it came to be known. He said, \"We need a name that reflects what we are.\" And Dot replied, \"Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.\" \"YAHOO,\" said Abraham. And because it was Dot\'s idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com. Abraham\'s cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot\'s drums to locate things around the countryside. It soon became known as God\'s Own Official Guide to Locating Everything (GOOGLE). That is how it all began. And that\'s the truth.... \"Campers: Nature\'s way of feeding mosquitoes.\'\' End of Newsletter Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAfs.

Des Pearce entered into rest in Nelspruit, South Africa on March 08, 2013. Des served as a Welder at New Sarum between 1975 to 1979 Source: Guy (brother) Pearce) Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Names to Photograph Back. U/K - Eric Mitchell - U/K - U/K -Len Pink - U/K Front. Roy Morris - U/K - Charles Paxton - Pete Jones (?) - U/K - U/K - U/K - U/K - U/K (U/K = Unknown) Have dated this photographs being from the Federal period, Officers cap has the crown End ORAFs has no idea as to where and when this photo was taken, can you help and also with names. Comments are welcome - please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com To view this article on line please click on the image or on the link below. Visit. Photograph made available by Bill Sykes. Thanks Bill, also thanks to Bruce Harrison for his assistance

Willy McMurdo (D.E Rogues Gallery 20 SEAT CONCORDE Mike Hamence (RhAF) Writes:- \'As with the Comet & Concorde, Boeing will never allow it!\' David Hann (RhAF) Writes:- Hi Eddy, I would like to add my couple of pennies to this. This is an old chestnut that keeps rearing its head from time to time. The demand for a vehicle of this nature is just about nil in this modern age of instant communications. As the article declares that its speed will be twice that of the Concorde then they are complexly wrong, Concorde cruised at M2.2 - their claim then means that this machine would have to cruise at M4.4. Cruising at these high speeds at such a low altitude creates extremely high surface temperatures, one would need to push on out to heights of 70 to 80k so as to achieve a reasonable compromise re structural heating and general performance. Further more to get a machine of the calibre to use such short runways would create problems for the designers, that would just not be worth time spent resolving. Reading of the performance figures of the Lockheed Blackbird would not go a miss and this was a truly ultra fast piece of aeroplane. As Mike so correctly said Mr. Bill Boeing would never allow this to happen. GUY GIBSON\'S \'NIGGER\' Mike Hamence (RhAF) Writes:- Guy Gibson\'s \'Nigger\' lies just behind the guardroom at RAF Scampton; a couple of guys from my Halton Entry - 73rd - look after the grave. Please publish also my grateful thanks to Nigel Fotheringham for helping find my late wife Sheila\'s dear friend from Salisbury days, Ann Jackson. Ann\'s husband, The Reverend Nicholas Jackson was RhArmy. WOMAN IS ANTHEM WINNER Robb Ellis has kindly made a newspaper cutting available to ORAFs which announces the winner for the lyrics to the Rhodesian National Anthem. competition. The article can be viewed at http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/woman-is-anthem-winner.html MAP OF COURAGE Gomo Hill (BSAP) Writes:- The article by Mitch Stirling brought back some memories.. When my father took us to Rhodesia at the end of the last world war, we lived in a house owned by Kim Rule [RAR] situate in the Lomagundi Road, just opposite the Avondale Halt on the rail line to Sinoia where King George [I think] Rd and Lomagundi met at a ‘T’ junction. The railway reserve was a wilderness and was my play ground for many years. The steam trains came past on a daily basis, Monday to Friday. What fun to watch them come past and, sometimes, shunt and leave a wagon or two at the siding. The wild flowers in spring time were plentiful and beautiful. Broadlands road ran to the north side of the rail reserve and there was a Convent up on the top of the kopje that rose above the road and rail reserve. In later years as a policeman stationed at Avondale I had a hilarious chase after a criminal along Broadlands road. There had been a housebreaking and an accused had been chased into a thicket of trees. He had not come out but we could not see him. A rustle above my head made me look up and there was the accused on a branch above me. He jumped down and took off, jumping fences as we chased after him through the big residential properties in the area. We must have looked like something out of Keystone cops! The chase took us through a garden where there was a party on the go. None of the party goers did anything to help but a shouted invitation to ‘come and join us when you have caught him’ was accepted with alacrity. We duly caught the criminal, recovered the stolen property and went and joined the party, uniforms and all. A wonderful evening and good police / public relations were formed. What wonderful days those were! Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/map-of-courage.html SAS TO USE BIGGER BULLETS TO KILL THE ENEMY Terry Griffin (RhE) Sent in this link:- Source: Mail Online Visit. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2294631/SAS-use-bigger-bullets-kill-enemy-outright-claiming-shoot-wound-policy-lives-risk.htmln No 1 SQUADRON DETACHMENT Mike Drury Writes:- What a fascinating record of RRAF activities in North Africa. Thank you very much John and as always, Eddie. Please give us more! Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/no-1-squadron-royal-rhodesian-air-force.html PBs FUNERAL 12 APRIL, 2013 Keith Corrans (RhAF) Writes:- For those without Google Earth or Sat Nav: the site is due west of Norwich City Centre, just off the junction of the A47 southern bypass and the B1108 (Watton Road.) It is on the city-side of Watton Rd with easy access from the A47, A11, A147. RUTH RAINEY [nee Fell-Smith] marmiegg@gmail.com Moira Hodgson Writes:- I was forwarded your request for info on my dearest late sister Ruth. I have contacted Collette via email and given her my telephone numbers as I am visually impaired and do find the email thing a little frustrating thing to cope with. Your info on Ruth is not however correct, she did not survive for any length of time after the aircraft crashed and did was in fact killed at the sight of the terrific accident. Special thanks to Moira for the feed back and thanks also to Jen Fotheringham FRIENDS OF RHODESIA CAMPAIGN Louis D. Hartley Writes:- The one blonde lady who features quite prominently in these is Lady Susan Graham (not in the first pic), whose husband Lord Angus Graham was in Ian Smith\'s cabinet for a time ! In the Second pic she is the lone lady (taken sideways on) talking to some troopies ! Third pic she is wearing dark glasses (third from the left )! Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1113249&comments=1 RHODESIAN BADGE AND PLAQUES Erik Eilertsen (RhArmy) Writes:- I don\'t know how many will be interested or if you have posted this before? this shows my collection of plaques and by browsing around the site a lot more Rhodesian stuff can be found. Visit. http://empiretocommonwealth.webs.com/rhodesianarmyee.htm SEEKING SPENCER ENGLISH David Crossley (RhArmy) Writes:- One of your ORAFs stories Jan 25, 2009 has an article in it about a RhAF TF member , Cpl Spencer English. (from the September 1978 Bateleur which was made available to ORAFs by Stan Stanford) http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=359620#442175 Spencer was in our class at Allan Wilson. We are arranging a class reunion this year, but haven’t been able to get hold him yet. Please would you or any of you members be able to put us in contact with him? Replies direct to David on David.Crossley@Vertex.co.uk GLENLIVET Deb Addison Writes:- My Mum and Dad (the late Bob and Margaret Carmody) retired in 1973 at Glenlivet, where they had built their dream retirement home very near where this picture was taken. My husband Allan and I were married at Glenlivet in March 1975. Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/02/glenlivet.html Suggested Reading. Please see http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-late-bob-carmody.html on Bob Carmody MATETSI Chris Nineham (RhAF) Writes:- I see that Charles Davey bought Matetsi to run. It must run in the family as his father owned the Zimbabwe Ruins Hotel - Tony Davey. Tony Davey also bought the old ferry between Port Edward and the new sun hotel casino and brought it up to Kyle Dam. It was cut into four pieces and reassembled by my fathers engineering business on the shores of Lake Kyle just below Tom Mac Dougal house next to the Air force campsite. This ferry then had engines installed as transported cars from the Game Park to the Zimbabwe Ruins side of the dam. Visit. http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/02/matetsi-wild-life-leisure-resort.html CLIFF POTTER NEWS Cliff Potter (RhAF) Writes:- We had some really great guys at CED, with a significant number of them sending me birthday messages by email. I would be grateful if you could publish their names so that I can thank them personally and make them aware of who is still alive and kicking - Colin Bond, John Dormer, Bruce Mawdsley, Nick Jordan, Franz Meyer, Dirk Roode, Alan Readings and of course yourself Eddy SMILE A WHILE \"The Jewish Wife\" Moe\'s wife was screaming at him: \"Leave!! Get out of this house!\" she ordered. As he was walking out the door she yelled, \"I hope you die a slow and painful death!\" So he turned around and replied, \"So now you want me to stay?\" \"Vision is the art of seeing things invisible to others..\'\' End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force

Wally Hinrichs entered into rest as a result of cancer on March 17, 2013 End SOurce: Roy Morris (RhAF) and Course mate on 2SU and 266 Squadron Wally attested with 2 SSU on March 1, 1952 and was awarded his Wings on March 2, 1953 Ref. Rhodesian Air Air Force, ORAFs

Photograph made available to ORAFs by Bill Sykes. Does anyone know who these fellows are, note, not many with Wings, different uniforms and boy oh boy one chap is squeaky clean. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Please mail Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Believe photograph was taken at New Sarum (Salisbury) but date unknown. End Thanks also Bruce Harrison for getting the photograph to ORAFs. Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs.

Terry Weston Rogues Gallery GUY GIBSON\'S \'NIGGER\' William Epps (RhArmy) Writes:- You are spot on with your latest posting on Niggers grave. I was stationed at Scampton when a V Bomber base back in the early 60\'s and often passed the spot. Your photographs also show how the A15, hitherto a straight Roman road, bends around the lengthened runway giving rise to the bow and arrow effect from the air that was adopted as the station crest. I still have the Scampton bow and arrow badge on an old cricket cap from my days there. Thanks for the memory. NIGGER\'S BONES Tony Cowell (RhAF) Writes:- This is of great interest to us because Robbie Venables (Pam’s Mom) used to drive Guy Gibson and Nigger to and from the barracks and would have to drive Nigger back to the Barracks when Guy Gibson went on his own. We understand that Nigger sometimes went with Guy, but not sure about this and wonder if anyone could confirm this. Pam’s Dad, Derek Venables, was also on 617 Squadron as an engine fitter having been transferred from 44 Rhodesia Squadron and because they were going out together at the time, Robbie was also transferred as a driver for 617 Squadron. She was a “follow me” driver, to guide aircraft after they landed. Suggested reading. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=177517#115351 Brian (Crack-One) (RhAF and RAF) Writes:-Goodwin. I can confirm the location of Nigger\'s grave as outside the 617 Sqn hangar. During my time at Scampton in the 1960s on Vulcan maintenance, the engineers would often use said grave as a handy toilet spot when on night shift and the poor young pilots on 617 who had to maintain the grave could never understand why the flowers on it would seldom flourish. MISSING DATA Adrian Haggett (RhArmy) Writes:- Can any ORAFs supply the circumstances of these guys deaths. Dhale C. Mangwiro R. Schoeman J. Of all the RhAF guys who died 1966-1981 only these 3 do not have a note on the circumstances of death. Not the gory stuff, just where and how it happened. We have rank, DOD, etc. but not first names and circumstances of death. If we can complete the RhAF RoH it would be a great plus. Replies to Adrian on adrian@vbn.co.bw with a copy to orafs11@gmail.com LINKEDIN NETWORK Eddy Norris (ORAFs) Writes:- Folks - You are wasting your time inviting me to join his network, my committed line of work, as you know, is recording the memories of Rhodesia. Why not help ORAFs and send us your bits and pieces on Rhodesia. EDDY NORRIS UPDATE I must report that I have had another pulsating incident with my heart. Blood results diagnosed that my heart is sitting at \"Heart Failure\" mode. I have been advised not to do anything physical and in general to take things very easy. This will still allow me to continue my work with the recording the memories of Rhodesia. Please no recommendations on my decision, I am sorry I cannot and will accept that memories held by associations and individuals are rather in archives or planned for a museum. Archives to me means - somewhere in a box in storage. Museum, never had any luck dealing with them either. TENNIS TEAM Pete Jones (RhAF) Writes:- I don’t remember ever having my photo taken in an Air Force tennis team and most of the players I don’t recognise. However, I will offer my farthing’s worth: Top row from left: N/K, Eric Mitchell, N/K, Fred Bowyer, Len Pink, N/K Front row from left: Roy Morris, Lena Mitchell, Terry Weston, I don’t think it is me, N/K for the rest of the row. Totally irrelevant but the only time I remember playing in the same match as Fred Bowyer was in 1957 in a Halton versus Locking Apprentices match when we played doubles on opposite sides in a marathon match after which my partner and I had to run over a mile to the athletics stadium to take part in the athletics match. After that totally useless information I shall say Cheers! Ted Barnard (RhAF) Writes:- My Five cents worth in naming Back Row U/K - Eric Mitchell – John Pinner – U/K – Cyril White – U/K Front Row Roy Morris – U/K – Terry Weston – U/K – Allan Bradnick – U/K – U/K – U/K - U/K Dave Panton (RhAF) Writes:- This may help with identification of the group :- Cyl Langley, Eric Mitchell, John Pinner, Fred Bowyer, Len Pink, Babs Eaton, Roy Morris, Leana Mitchell, Terry Weston, ? John Deall, ? Harvey Quaille, ?*, ?* * Not sure but think they may be players co-opted from Gwelo Tennis Club ( Dulcie & Merle Hill ) Ron Jarman (RhAF) Writes:- Not looking to cross swords but the gentleman you have listed as Charles Paxton I believe is in fact Terry Weston although I could be mistaken. Michael McCormack (RhAF) Writes:- The chap on the bottom row, civvies, was the weather man at Thornhill, I think, a keen glider man, and the tall chap with glasses, on the back use to work in accounts, sorry cannot remember names. Derek Utton RhAF) Writes:- I don’t know if you have had an answer to photo ,but I have only just seen it . I am sure it is Fred Bowyer, Engine fitter ex 73rd entry Halton . Not sure when he left the Air force but He went to Australia Dave Hann (RhAF) Writes Eddy try Fred Gower Dave Panton (RhAF) Writes:- The unknown chap on today\'s query is my old friend Fred Bowyer who now lives in Queensland ,Australia . Geoff Fine was the MO at Thornhill at that time he was seconded from the Rhodesian Army ( a Captain ) he later became a Consultant surgeon in Salisbury. Eddie Flawn (RhAF) Writes:- The chap in the photo looks like Fred Boywer ( Engine Fitter ex Holton trained) a good tennis player. He left the RRAF at Break-Up of Federation end of 1963 ,is probably still in Australia. Mike Weston Writes:- A few suggested names from the tennis photo. Some obviously confirmed. Back Row L to R – Next to Eric Mitchell (on his left) could this be Sybil Langley. Front Row – 2nd from left – Lena Mitchell and of course next to her my Dad, Terry Weston. On the right of the Officer - Deall. Roy Morris (RhAF) Writes:- Last Unnamed. Could it be Bob Meecham or Dux Dysel ? The lady standing at No 6 is Babs Eaton, I think, Wife of Terry Eaton ( Tech ). The photo was taken at the Thornhill Tennis Courts near the Officer\'s Mess. Len Pink (RhAF) Writes:- Back row ,next to Eric is John Pinner and next to him I think is Fred Bowyer Front row Roy, U/K, Terry Weston, Geoff Fine ,John Deall, Harvey Quail, and I think Zena Fine William Jervois (RhAF) Writes:- Back row, centre are John Pinner and Fred Bowyer - Fred left at the break-up and is now somewhere in Oz. I think that the officer in front, centre is John Deall. Doug Smith (RhAF) Writes:- I think the tall guy at the back with glasses could be John Pinner. Nigel Fotheringham (RhAF) Writes:- I don\'t think that is Chas Paxton, I think its Terry Weston?. Tony Smit (RhAF) Writes:- Eric Mitchell and Len Pink are correct in top row, but bottom row looks like Roy Morris (correct), U/K, Doug White?, (not Charles Paxton), Ken Edwards?, Johnny Deall (in uniform), U/K, Harvey Quail (The Met officer), U/K, U/K. Mark Smithdorff (RhAF) Writes:- Herewith some of the names that I recognise - Back row #3 John Pinner, #4 Fred Boyer, #5 Len Pink. Front row#3 Terry--------, The name escapes me at the moment but he became a Tech Officer. Maybe other than me with a more and better memories will help. Pat Reed Writes:- Could the (?Pete) Jones be John Jones, Sodbury Farm, Wellesley Siding on the Sinoia Road. David Thorne (RhAF) Writes:- I think it could be Fred Bowyer – Tech on 1Sqn 1960-ish (It is indeed Fred - thank you to all those that replied. Eddy Norris) Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1115213&comments=1 BILLY AND SCOTT NEWMAN UPDATE am not sure if this would be appropriate to put on the ORAF’s site but I know there are folk out there who would be interested in this and having known Ken Newman well may remember that Scott is our son. Folk will remember me as Billy rather than Elsabe. Take a look at what Scott does when he has a spare moment. Flying is surely in the genes. Visit. http://www.youtube.com/user/IndependentVFX?feature=mhee SICK REPORT UPDATE May I please call on all of you to think and keep these fine folk in you thoughts:- Neville (Jungs) and Ruth Forrester Neville is not in the best of shape, remember him from 4 Squadron, now living in Australia. Finn and Mrs. Marcussen Finn as you know, suffered a major stroke. Now resident in Gauteng. Bernie and Mrs. Collocott Has anyone have a update for ORAFs since his recent illness. PASSING OF THEA SCHOEMAN The Rhodesian Light Infantry Regimental Association Write:- It is with regret that we inform you of the passing away of Thea Schoeman. Thea, wife to Andrew and mother to Linda passed away on Wednesday, 20th March in the UK. Thea was mom to both the late Doug and Kevin Cookson. Dough was killed on the 28th February 1976. Both Doug and Kevin served in I Commando. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Andrew and Linda and all the friends of the Schoemans Kind regards Bill Wiggill CEO [ORAFs records its sympathies to the Schoeman family and also to the RLI Regimental Association] AERIAL SURVEILLANCE Louis De Villiers Writes:- I thought you might find this interesting to share with ORAFS http://www.youtube.com/embed/13BahrdkMU8?feature=player_embedded KEN EDWARD NEWS Ken Edwards Writes:- Our news , we have moved from New Milton to Mortimer Common in Berkshire to be nearer the family. My Grand daughter lives close by and my daughter Diana and her husband will join us in May. Sad news to hear about PB and Wally I keep in regular touch with Eric Carpenter who lives in Christchurch. SYD POLWARTH NEWS Syd Writes:- After a last visit in 1992 and my departure from here in 1982, there is a lot of impressions and perspectives that may be of interest to ORAFS readers. I\'ll let you have a report when I return to SA. In the meanwhile my best advice at present is for anyone intending to travel here by road, particularly with Easter just ahead, is to come via Botswana and avoid the known congestion at Beitbridge. The Bot roads are good and the only drawback that some may find is that there is no support in the way of breakdown vehicles or garages between Gabarone & Francistown. A reliable vehicle is a must. More in due course ROYAL AIR FORCE - CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL Richard Adams (son in law to Archie Wilson) Guarantee that it is Archie Wilson shaking hands with chap whose eyes are popping out about two inches but don\'t know who he is! Love getting your contacts. Keith Kemsley (RhAF) Writes:- Two Rhodies are Archie Wilson and Ted Cunnison Archie is the one shaking hands who I think is Gp Capt Slade RAF. Ted Cunnison standing next to him in Rhodesian uniform, The guy in Khaki looks like a Choom. :-) Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1115315&comments=1 CHANGE OF EMAIL DETAILS Please note that it is a requirement of the news listing group that individual accept and invitation to join the respective news listing. This applies to changing the email details, from my side (as the administrator) I must delete the old email, and send you an invitation to your new address to accept the invitation. To accept all is required is for the person to click on a field titled \"click here to accept invitation\" boy of boy some can make a meal of this this. There are time restrictions on the invites, normally day or tow before the elapse. So folks when you ask for a change please keep and eye on your inbox for the invite. To assist me please send me both old and new address. I love it when I get a message \'This is my new email\' - please amend. Charles. Hey even my crystal ball fails sometimes. THANK YOU A special thank you to all those that sent in information and those replies to the Tennis Team photo. After all these years I can never get over the number of responses I receive. As Hugh Bomford said \"ORAFs often copied but never duplicated.\" SMILE A WHILE From Air HQs. While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, \' The tooth fairy will never believe this!\' \" \"A dyslexic man walks into a bra.\'\' End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Above photograph was made available to ORAFs by Bill Sykes, can anyone identify the chaps (Mick Grier is in the middle of the two shaking hands) any other information would be greatly appreciated. Photograph is from the Federal days - note the crown on Mick\'s cap badge and the technicians also has the RRAF badge. End Comments are welcome - please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

Text to the newspaper cutting reads:- Defence Reporter THERE was another clash this week in the Maranda Tribal Trust Land between terrorists belonging to the banned ZAPU and ZANU organisations, it was said yesterday. A security forces spokesman said yesterday that a clash occurred on Wednesday involving five terrorists loyal to ZANU. and eight affiliated to ZAPU. The spokesman said the incident was the result of a ZAPU attack on a ZANU base. Security forces have recovered a large number of expended 7,62 cartridges. It is not known whether any terrorists ivere killed or injured in the incident. ZANU and ZAPU terrorists are waging war against Rhodesia under the banner of the Patriotic Front, which is led by Mr Robert Mugabe and Mr Joshua Nkomo. This is the third report of inter-faction fighting in the Maranda Tribal TrustLand, south-west of Rutenga, in the past month. At least five ZANU and ZAPU terrorists have died. An elderly tribesman living in the tribal trust land told me last month: \"ZAPU keep saying they do not want to see ZANU across the Nuanetsi River. ZANU say the same thing. They do not want to see ZAPU on the east side of the Mlelezi River. These two groups hate each other very much.\" The tribal trust land is part Ndebele and part Shona. Security forces do not expect the inter-faction fighting to be confined to this area of the country. A spokesman confirmed yesterday that the groundwork for similar clashes has been laid in the Gokwe area. After -a recent contact with terrorists near Machihiri, security forces recovered ZIPRA (the military wing of ZAPU) identity cards bearing the name \"and picture of Mr Nkomo. Leaflets were also recovered which, a security forces spokesman said, indicated hatred for ZANLA, which is the ZANU military wing. There have also been reports of Ndebele being beaten up by Shona in a tribal trust land near Salisbury, the reason being that they are Nkomo supporters. And Shona-speaking Africans are reported to. have been beaten up in Bulawayo townships. End Source: From the Rhodesia Herald, October 1st 1977 made available by Rob Picton (Intaf) Thanks Rob Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Another interesting photograph received from Bill Sykes and now ORAFs asks for your help to identify the chaps plus any other information regarding the photograph. Please send any information them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com End Thank to Bill for sharing his phoptograph with ORAFs. Ref. Rhodesian Air Force

F. Sgt Eldridge (1978) Rogues Gallery RHODESIAN ADVERTISEMENTS- CECIL HOTEL (GWELO) Bill Sykes (RhAF) Writes:- That cannot be the Cecil Hotel, unless they rebuilt it after 1975 when I left Thornhill. The old Cecil was a one storey brick-under-tin affair. We sat there on one occasion only, on the verandah, where the ashtrays were old pilchard tins screwed to the tables. I think that says it all ... Jean Fletcher (RhAF) Writes:- Brian and I was put up in the Cecil hotel on coming to Gwelo from UK it was being eaten away by white ants, never seen them before, used to hear them munching away at night. I soon got used to them but fond memories, 1959 I think. PHOTOGRAPH - WHO - WHEN - WHY Pete Jones (RhAF) Writes:- Could the technician be Bill Braid? Tol Janeke (RhAF) Writes:- Seems the picture was taken behind a Dakota wing. So 3 Squadron. The other two look like Wg. Cdr. Harry Coleman, OC Flying New Sarum, and on the right George Alexander. John Mussell (RhAF) Writes:- The one on the left looks like Harry Coleman. Frank Mussell (RhAF) Writes:- The bloke on the left looks like Harry Coleman. He was on one of the Vampire ferries in 1955. Could this put a time scale on the photo? Bill Sykes (RhAF) Writes:- Flt Lt Mac Geering, Fg Off Mick Grier, Fg Off Mike Gedye, tech unknown Royal Rhodesian Air Force Note Dak roundels with the three assegais. Occasion ? Date ? Dave Panton (RhAF) Writes:- The two at the back are Mick Grier and Bill Braid circa i960/3 prior to the Federal Breakup ,Bill Braid left in 1963. Don\'t know where the pic was taken. Mark Smithdorff (RhAF) Writes:- The only one I can identify is Harry Coleman on the left. Roy Morris (RhAF) Writes:- The left guy of the three is Harry Coleman I believe. Alex Scott (RhAF) Writes:- The Sqdn/ ldr. On the left is Harry ( Hoppy ) Coleman who O/C 3 Sqdn, tech unknown Visit: http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1115418&comments=1 DAVE STONE NEWS Dave (RhAF) Writes:- Want to let you know that Joan & I are going ‘walkabout’ in Aus. for a couple of months, to visit family. Its now or never with the exchange rate so we’re biting the bullet ! We will be with the Collocotts for a while, & will do my best to see my old mate Jungs Forrester and Ruth. [Enjoy yourselves and don\'t forget to take photographs of any ORAFs you meet up with] ARCHIE WILSON NEWS Richard Adams (son in law) Writes:- Archie, physically he is in great shape and can still read letters with out using glasses (which I have to!!) result he asked me to pass on his best wishes to anyone who may remember him. ZAPU and ZANU CLASH IN TTL Newspaper Cutting made available by Rob Picton (Intaf) Defence Reporter THERE was another clash this week in the Maranda Tribal Trust Land between terrorists belonging to the banned ZAPU and ZANU organisations, it was said yesterday. A security forces spokesman said yesterday that a clash occurred on Wednesday involving five terrorists loyal to ZANU. and eight affiliated to ZAPU. The spokesman said the incident was the result of a ZAPU attack on a ZANU base. Security forces have recovered a large number of expended 7,62 cartridges. It is not known whether any terrorists were killed or injured in the incident. ZANU and ZAPU terrorists are waging war against Rhodesia under the banner of the Patriotic Front, which is led by Mr. Robert Mugabe and Mr. Joshua Nkomo. This is the third report of inter-faction fighting in the Maranda Tribal Trust Land, south-west of Rutenga, in the past month. At least five ZANU and ZAPU terrorists have died. An elderly tribesman living in the tribal trust land told me last month: \"ZAPU keep saying they do not want to see ZANU across the Nuanetsi River. ZANU say the same thing. They do not want to see ZAPU on the east side of the Mlelezi River. These two groups hate each other very much.\" The tribal trust land is part Ndebele and part Shona. Security forces do not expect the inter-faction fighting to be confined to this area of the country. A spokesman confirmed yesterday that the groundwork for similar clashes has been laid in the Gokwe area. After -a recent contact with terrorists near Machihiri, security forces recovered ZIPRA (the military wing of ZAPU) identity cards bearing the name \"and picture of Mr. Nkomo. Leaflets were also recovered which, a security forces spokesman said, indicated hatred for ZANLA, which is the ZANU military wing. There have also been reports of Ndebele being beaten up by Shona in a tribal trust land near Salisbury, the reason being that they are Nkomo supporters. And Shona-speaking Africans are reported to. have been beaten up in Bulawayo townships. Source: From the Rhodesia Herald, October 1st 1977 made available by Rob Picton (Intaf) Thanks Rob Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1115451#1241705 NICE TRIBUTE Paul Norris sent this link. Plane Lovers and Pilots and aircrew will love this. http://www.youtube.com/v/RU1oB8sGyYM SMILE A WHILE A SMALL GLIMMER OF HOPE IN THE GLOOM ! \'Viagra\' is now available in tea bags. It doesn\'t enhance your sexual performance but it does stop your biscuit going soft. \"I\'ve been on so many blind dates, I should get a free dog. .\'\' End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

GERATY, Michael (Spook)–Flt Lt–GDP Entered into rest. Died from cancer whilst serving with SAAF, in Pretoria, South Africa. Ref. Rhodesian Air FOrce, ORAFs

Photograph made available by Mrs. Jean Fletcher, widow to Brian. ORAFs believes this photograph ois of Kariba FAF in the very days. It would appear that the bar s behind our jolly members and directly in front of them at a later stage is where the swimming pool was placed. Back Dave Craft - Syd Brown - Johnny Green - Unknown - Glen Flaxman - Unknown. Front Norman Farrell - Photo Section chap - Unknown - Bob Garret - Brian Fletcher End Comments are welcome - please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com End Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs.

Dick Paxton (GDP) Rogues Gallery ZIMBABWE FLAG Norman Frodsham Writes:- I have had a request for a Zimbabwean flag (any size) which will be used in a Christian charity function on April 14th. I know it is short notice but could you ask our members if they have one which may be used for this purpose ? Replies direct to Norman on medsol1937@me.com SKYDIVING BOOGIE AT KARIBA PHOTOGRAPH RECENTLY DISTRIBUTED Peter Winhall Writes:- My brother, Nige (S.Scouts), lived in Kariba for some twenty years. He always laughed his head off when telling a story of a mate of his, Blaise Thomas, (sp?) free-falling at Kariba Airport. Apparently a bit of wind took him slightly off-course and he ended up in the very worst tree he could have chosen, (even considering one of those baobabs), and there were no others of that species even near it. ….. It was of course a knob- thorn acacia!!!! ? Can you imagine trying to climb out of that one PHOTOGRAPH- GREETINGS Christopher Hudson (RhAF) Writes:- The chap on the left is clearly RAF. My guess is that the group is standing under a V-bomber. The one on the right is Harold Hawkins. As he has scrambled egg on his cap he was probably a group captain at the time. Keith Kemsley (RhAF) Writes:- The one armed Guy is I believe AVM Walker RAF and the other two are Ted Jacklin and Harold Hawkins Willy Jervois (RhAF) Writes:- I am sure that you will get dozens of correct answers - at right side is Harry Hawkins, then Grp. Capt. Dave Moss (RhAF and PRAW) Writes:- Guy on Ted Jacklin\'s left is Harry Hawkins. Dave Panton (RhAF) Writes:- Guy on Ted Jacklin\'s left is Harry Hawkins. Dave Hann (RhAF) Writes:- Here is my two pennies worth. Well the aircraft would have been a Mk 1 Vulcan (no panniers between the jet pipes) and the gentleman on the right wearing the RAF uniform would have been Group Captain Slade Air Attach at the British Embassy Salisbury. The year will have been 1961/2 I have copied over the message you will find at the link I have posted to you - the interesting item is the British Pathe item. http://www.greatnorthroad.org/bboard/message.php?id=15562 \"I can\'t speak to it flying over Broken Hill, but there was a record breaking flight from RF Marham, Norfolk to Salisbury, S Rhodesia on the 20th April, 1959. The Vulcan made the trip in 10 hour 12 minutes. I have a picture of the aircraft at Salisbury which I will post when I get home tonight.\" There is a short video on www.britishpathe.com search for \"V-Bomber sets record\". Cheers from the \'train spotter\' Bill Sykes (RhAF) Writes:- I think we would have to go to the RAF for info on this ... The chap shaking hand (note singular) is Air Vice-Marshal who only has one arm. The other chap is aircrew, with wings and a DFC. No clue who he is. Date must be late ’50s early ’60s. The aircraft is a Vulcan. Andy Thomas might shed some light ... Dave Panton ()RhAF) Writes:- Further to my response to the picture ID yesterday I was prompted to take a look on Wikipedia on the illustrious Gus Walker (know affectionately as \"the One Armed Bandit\" ! Air Chief Marshal Sir Augustus Walker GCB CBE DSO DFC AFC MA during his long RAF career in 1948 he was the Senior Air Staff Officer for the Rhodesian Air Training Group. He played Rugby for Yorkshire and England in 1939 the rest of his career history makes an interesting read, he had great affection for Rhodesia one of the Squadrons under his command at RAF Coningsby was No 44 (Rhodesia Squadron) in 1954 when Nos 15,57 44and 149 Squadrons were converting from B29\'s Washingtons to English Electric Canberras . Gus used to regularly fly the Washingtons and sometimes left his artificial right arm on the control column Yoke when he left the aircraft in a hurry ! Francis Fynn (RhAF and RhArmy) Writes:- that looks like the bottom end of a Vulcan? Guess they must have been scouts in their youth, left handers! Frank Mussell (RhAF) Writes:- On the right, Harold Hawkins. On the left must be a visiting Air Commodore from that other air force, RAF, all three probably standing under a visiting Vulcan bomber? Anne Shaw (RhAF) Writes:- The man on the right of Ted Jacklin is John Moss and I am sure the man on the left is Ted Brent? Bill Sykes (RhAF) Writes:- The Groupie is wearing army uniform and has a badge on his collar, so he could well be the Stn Cdr. I do not have a list of COs from mid-‘50s into the ‘60s. One of the older generation will know who it is ... Andy Thomas (Writes:- Gus Walker ended as Air Chief Marshal GCB CBE DSO DFC AFC & played ruby for England in 1939. He was AOC 1 Gp 1956-59 and will have come out on one of the Vulcan visits then. He lost his arm at Syerston but later returned to flying! He died in 1986. Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1115453&comments=1 DAVE BOWMAN NEWS Dave wrote to say that he had been on holiday in South Africa from the UK. IN MEMORY Message from the RLI Association. It is with regret that we inform you of the death an ex RLI member, of Darryl Pfaff. Darryl died on Sunday evening, March 31, 2013. Our deepest sympathy to the Pfaff family and to the RLI Association. THATCHER REPLIES TO WALLS Mike Norton sent in this link:- Here is Margaret T\'s (\'\'Foreign Office\'\' ) response, or the lack thereof to be more precise.....allowing the complete Zimbabwe debacle to continue ! Perfidious Albions \'\'Washing of hands\'\' ! http://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/85D7EA553B1A4DCBBDB9617F5593F8F9.pdf THE CRASH OF THE AVRO I enjoyed reading, \' The Crash of Avro\' story. Keep up the great work, sincerely, Keith Pearce. Sean Morgan (RhAF) Writes:- Its the navigator doing the Google Earth thing again. But here is an incredible co-incidence. I really enjoyed today\'s story of the south bound Anson crash in July 1946 and Wednesdays story of the north bound Harvard crash landing, also 1946 (14 June). I plotted the positions and they are in the Luangwa valley - 3 miles apart. With the whole of Africa to chose from - now that is an incredible co-incidence. Life can be stranger than fiction. Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-crash-of-avro-anson-golf-alpha-hotel.html ANNIVERSARY FOR 12 LAR Pete Jones (RhAF) Writes:- The photo brings back memories; there were a number of radio tradesmen included who, if my memory serves me, did their initial trade training at RAF Yatesbury in Wiltshire. I hate to rain on Ron’s parade but I think that he lays claim to one invention that preceded 12 Course by some years. At the time I was a RAF secondment and “Grimmy Party” was a term to which I was introduced very shortly after arrival in January 1961. BOOK REVIEW \" A ROAD WELL TRAVELLED\' BY BRIAN LEANEY Saillie Hammond Writes:- This review is from: A Road Well Travelled (Paperback) \"This well written book about growing up in Rhodesia during the 50\'s and 60\'s is a must read for anyone with a Fairbridge College, Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe) background. Brian Leaney demonstrates the endurance of the human spirit - from a deprived and neglected childhood in England to embracing a new school and life in the colony of Southern Rhodesia after World War Two. Brian Leaney is a gifted writer. His book flows with humorous anecdotes and life experiences. His philosophy of never giving up on anything has served him well. He is a survivor and a hero\". I have enjoyed reading it. NICE TRIBUTE Bill Teague (SAAF and RCAF) Writes regarding the subject in last weeks newsletter:- Very nice & well done production; The end credit states it was exclusively for I.C.A.S 2011. ICAS is the International Council of Air Shows, founded by US air show producers and display pilots some 40 odd years ago, to promote air shows in all aspects. ICAS has produced an excellent manual covering safety & air show organisation. An annual convention is held and I was fortunate enough to attend seven conventions as the Canadian Governments representative. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to get to know many of the leading pilots, including Bob Hoover and Jimmy Doolittle, both of whom appear in the slide show. NEWSFLASH - FAF DUTIES PHOTOGRAPH The chap in the middle row, holding a bottle, has been identified as Barry Ord and another source says it is Barry Thompson (deceased.) SMILE A WHILE Lance Armstrong I think it is just terrible and disgusting how everyone has treated Lance Armstrong, especially after what he achieved winning seven Tour de France races while competing on drugs. When I was on drugs, I couldn\'t even find my bike. - Tricky (Newspaper cutting sent in by Don Munroe. Eddy Norris) \"Broken pencils are pointless .\'\'

Name to Team Back Row: Trevor Smith - George Salmon - John Pinner - Unknown - Unknown Front Row: Roy Morris - Sammy Symes - John Digby End Believed to be New Sarum (Trevor Smith was PJI so cannot see him ever being at Thornhill. George Salmon (guessing) but he was the Adj at Sarum in late 1960s. Two members on extreme right of back row - where they twins? Information please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesia, ORTAFs

By Murray (Hoffie) Hofmeyr A trio of well known Generals to be plus us lesser mortals. It was in the days of wooden tennis racquets but all I can remember is that we played at KGVI and probably against some visiting SA service team. Perhaps Roy can add to that. Names to photograph Back Row: Hugh Rowley - Murray Hofmeyr - Colin Castle - Unknown. Front Row: John Hickman - Peter Walls - Sandy Maclean - Roy Morris End Thanks to Murray for sharing his photograph and memories with ORAFs. End Can you assist with further details and year this photograph was taken - please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Alan Cockle (Navigator) Rogues Gallery ATACAMA DESERT CROSSING RACE Keith Kemsley (RhAF) Writes:- Pleased to report that my Grandson Daniel Rowland competing under the Zimbabwe Flag has won the 250km Atacama Desert Crossing Race. He won the first stage in a new record time and won the next four Stages. On the final sixth stage he finished fourth but had built up a substantial lead of 36 minutes over the second placed man and two hours over the third. We are proud of him The party has started and the Atacama Crossing 2013 Awards Banquet is taking place at the moment. Once again, congratulations to the Overall Champion Daniel Rowland (Zimbabwe), Women\'s Champion Rebecca Pattinson (United Kingdom) and Team Champion KIZUNA (Japan). [Congratulations to Daniel and family. A wonderful achievement so walk tall Daniel] Photographs of the event can be viewed at http://www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/photos-100 REUNION 2014 Just a routine follow up to the request distributed by the AFA (Cape) regarding the reunion in February 2014. When the Federation ended there was an exodus of manpower from the Royal Rhodesian Air Force and to address the shortage the number of Technical intakes for 1964 increased to 4. This then, is the base for the celebration but the committee acknowledged that in 1964 there was a Pilot Training Course and a number if direct entries so the party was \'thrown open.\' To organise such a function requires a great deal of back room work and leg work. In view of this may, I please call on all to let Johnny Ness or Tony Cowell know if they will be attending and to please drop a note to these gents to let them know accordingly. Johnny is on jness@telkomsa.net and Tony is on tonyandpam@telkomsa.net Please mail any questions you may have to either Johnny or Tony, the role of ORAFs is to support the AFA. Please do not be alarmed or upset if you start to receive information on the Cape Province, this will be Publicity Offices and that type of information. Also I have been asked to advise you all that there is not truth in the allegation that Cape Town is called the \"Mother City\" because it takes nine months to get anything done in Cape Town! Time is ticking away, and we know this gets faster each year, so please give this matter your urgent attention and let Johnny or Tony know of your decision. Thank you for your time. MAP OF COURAGE Nigel Fotheringham (RhAF) Writes:- Please thank Mitch for this story. You have no idea how much time I have spent trawling through stories like this over the years looking for a mention of my father?s brother, Claude Fotheringham, and bingo, there is his name in the Roll of Honour in this article. He was killed in a training accident flying a Tiger Moth somewhere near Marandellas. But I never knew where he was based or his rank. Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/map-of-courage.html NEIL AND JOHANNA JACKSON NEWS Neill (RhArmy) Writes:- I have resigned from my position on the farm in Villiersdorp (Cape) and we are starting a new venture at the beginning of April. We have rented a house on a farm near Howick, in the Natal Midlands, and I will be based out of Pietermaritzburg. We are moving over the weekend 16/17 March. We are going to be training small scale and emerging farmers in SA and neighbouring countries, and are busy updating and upgrading a modular agricultural course originally written by a former Gwebi lecturer. We will be operating under the auspices of NOSA, the occupational health and safety organization. Our company is called NOSA Agricultural Services. [Best of luck to Neill and Johanna.] SEEKING JOHNNY NORMAN Johnny Ness (RhAF) is wishing to contact Johnny Norman (12 LAR - Instruments) Replies to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com STANLEY ALEXANDER JONES Adrian Jones (Son ) Writes:- My father Stanley Alexander Jones served in the RRAF during the war in Salisbury. If I?m not mistaken he was a flight lieutenant. I do not have any further details re his service etc. Maybe you can enlighten me. He passed away in 1996 Replies to direct to Adrian on zag_aa@keh.co.il DEATH NOTIFICATION - PETER PETTER-BOWYER Messages of sympathy that have been received can be view by clicking on the link below/ Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1114372&comments=1 PASSING OF MARY WALKER James Ley, via Gus Mason (RhAF) Writes:- sad news that Mary Walker, wife of Brig Vic Walker passed away on Wednesday 6th March in the Medway Maritime Hospital. No other details are available at this time. WORLD WAR 2 PHOTOGRAPHS Mike Lonquet-Higgins (RhArmy) comments on the link circulated these photographs. A great reminder of fine brave men and their flying machines. But No braver or magnificent than those to be found serving in the Rhodesian Air Force Pilots & Technicians alike !! HOME COMFORTS AT A FORWARD AIR FIELD Andrew Walker (RhAF) Writes:- I?m pretty sure the FAF shown in the photo?s is FAF5 ? Mtoko. I think that the guy in the last photo, standing outside ?The Choppers Arms?, second from the left, is Tony Taylor, an A and B reservist. I also think the second photo is taken looking towards the camp commandants hut and beyond that is the ops room. The photos must have been taken around ?78/79 because the pool was only put in towards the ?end?, thanks to the generosity of the forces welfare fund. Andre du Plessis (RhAF) Writes:- I believe these are photos of FAF 5, Mtoko. Photo three looks very familiar, and of course there\'s the pub. I do not recognise any odd the members though. Malcolm Baillie (RhAF) Writes:- In the picture of the four \" Off Duty \" guys , I am actually 2nd from the left Camp Commandant , know the faces but not the names of the others Steve Russell (RhAF) Writes:- I am not sure but it looks like Mtoko toward the later years. Bill Sykes (RhAF) Writes:- These photos appear in A Pride of Eagles after page 660 ... They were taken in -+ 1977 ... It is Mtoko (FAF 5) and the Choppers Arms was so named because the pub was shared between the Air Force and Police (Coppers/Choppers). It was the Air Force who organised the black granite counter from the local quarry. FAF 5, as shown, was a little different from the original FAF 5 where we used the old airfield and the mess was a huge hole in the sandy soil five paces wide and five feet deep, no roof. If a mortar had landed in it we would all have been killed. There were no aircraft. I was Camp Commandant for two weeks. It was good to get back to Hunters at Thornhill Ian Armstrong (RhAF) Writes:- Looks like FAF 5 at Mtoko. I can\'t think of another FAF with a pool. Visit. http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1110959&comments=1 GLENLIVET Boet Van Der Walt (RhAF) Writes:- My brother-in-law and sister farmed on the south side of Nyuni mountain on the farm Chevdon from 1945. When the Kyle dam was built it actually cut his farm in half, they paid him to build a small bridge on the east side of his farm over the Bevumi river in order to reach the south side of his farm. Glenlivet was over the mountain north of the farm, we visited there quite often. There was a footpath up the mountain from Glenlivet and if you climbed to the top you could drink whatever the previous climbers had left under a rock at the summit but you had to replace it with your own drink. Louis D. Hartley Writes:- When last I heard Glenlivet Hotel is still functioning commercially as a hotel. The major problem is that one of the outlet gates in Kyle wall ( Lake Mutirikwe) is jammed open (no timely repairs and maintenance -a Zanu-Pf \'\'shamwari\'\' fiasco ). This has resulted in the Kyle water level ...shoreline receding dramatically.....the lake is currently measured at around 18 % (after the main rains).... so the water that is usually captured and held ..... is escaping with no control. Sad but true ! Visit: http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/02/glenlivet.html 20 SEAT CONCORDE Mike Hamence (RhAF) Writes:- \'As with the Comet & Concorde, Boeing will never allow it!\' Miles Orbell (RhAF) Writes:- Yup Eddy, what happened to Boeings supersonic passenger plane? Never materialised! This is interesting, but I have my doubts, the cost to a customer will be absolutely astronomical, cost to make it, more astronomical! But I?m sure one day there will be a supersonic Business jet, many years later, but very seriously expensive, I certainly don?t think even the Anglo American Oppenheimers will buy this, they always had a majority share in the Gulfstreams kept at the Anglo Hanger, O. Tambo Airport, they I think, do have a new Gulfstream, great aircraft, fast and expensive. The new technology is impressive, tech is progressing forwards rapidly, wonder what the new NASA Space Shuttle will be like? Old ones were retired recently. 25 (SAAF) SQUADRON CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU 1944 Paul Dubois Writes:- Thanks Eddy, I\'ve posted it on the 25 Squadron SAAF Old Stooges Roost, Face Book site. [Love the title of the Face book Page. Eddy Norris] RHODESIAN ADVERTISEMENT: MATESTSI AND BOMBAY DUCK Trevor Edwards Writes:- James Clampit has sent to me from Adverts from the past\" compiled by Denise Taylor an ad for Matetsi, which I built and managed from 1973 to 1983 when it was sold to Charles Davey, father of Chelsea Davey former girlfriend of Prince Harry. Charles bought it for movable contents, and then sold the shell much demolished to Piers Taylor as a hunting camp. It was \"taken over\" by Government and I believe has been \"acquired\" by Mugabe personally, but I would welcome latest news. My wife Norna, as a newspaper editor in Masvingo, was arrested in 2003, and after numerous appearances in court, and prosecution withdrawn, we fled to the UK, where we live in Devon. It was unique as the only freehold property within National Parks\' area and was thriving from 73 to 76 but then not viable because of political events. In 1958 ? I was the Mashonaland Rugby Football Board\'s Entertainment Manager for the visit of the British Lions. They included a flanker Tug Wilson, who played for the Metropolitan Police in the UK. My school old boys \"Old Rutlishians\" played them and so we struck up an affinity. After the Lions tour, Tug Wilson returned to Rhodesia and opened the Bombay Duck, the first Rhodesian Curry House, although Eastern Delights in Manica Road sold a very good take-away curry in cartons. In later years I lost track of him I have a complete set of Rhodesia calls from my time with the Tourist Board and being on the editorial committee, but thanks for the memory. Visit: http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/02/bombay-duck-salisbury.html and http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/02/matetsi-wild-life-leisure-resort.html CLIFF POTTER NEWS Cliff Potter (RhAF) Writes:- I have been overwhelmed with 40+ emails for my 84th birthday. 90% ex-air force, so many people almost forgotten. As I don\'t have my own computer, I have to rely on my local library 5 minutes walk from where I live to send and receive emails. As I have limited access please could I ask you to publish this email thanking everyone kind enough to send me heart warming greetings. It really made my day special. I have yet another treat to look forward to. The Royal British Legion have awarded me, as an ex-member of the Royal navy, a two week \'coastal sea break\' at Bridlington. God bless you all where ever you are. Africa will always be in my heart. SYD POLWORTH NEWS Syd is up in Zimbabwe on a bit of well deserved rest. Visit: http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/02/bombay-duck-salisbury.html WW2 AVIATOR John Tayler Writes: Re WW2 ? yes the pilot was William James Picken or Bill ? my Dads younger brother & I was named after him. Bill Picken Writes:- He went to Chaplin in Gwelo and was in same rugby team as Ian Smith in 1937&8 & 9.He played for Nuffield schools cricket for Rhodesia in 1939 in SA. He went to the war in about 1940 after some training at Guinea Fowl near Gwelo where there was an RAF Training school. He joined the RAF and was a bomber pilot & Guy Gibson was his CO. He was in 106 squadron & was a Flt Lieutenant when his plane was shot down over Essen on the night of 5 March 1943. He also bombed the Renault armaments factory outside Paris & Berlin, Kiel, Bremen, Hamburg and even flew an 11 hour flight from Lincolnshire to bomb Milan in 1942.Other places I cant remember without looking into his log Book. In 1942 he won the DFC & was presented with his medal with another Rhodesian Grimwood Cooke ( whose nephew is still in Harare) By King George VI. I have all his medals & his log book signed by Guy Gibson. On the air base at Coningsy in Lincolnshire Gibson had a black Labrador called Nigger !! Lynette James & I went to see his grave in Germany in June 2011 at the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery ? which is near Kleve on the Dutch German border. It was a moving experience for us as we were the first family members ever to visit Bill?s grave. He was 21 when he was killed in the Lancaster bomber. He flew in all three 1000 bomber raids on Germany I think. MELSETTER AND THE MOODIE PIONEERS Rob Picton (Intaf) Writes:- Thanks for today\'s Melsetter post Eddy - great early morning nostalgia! Kevin Schlachter (Witbank, RSA) Writes:- Franscois has been kind enough to keep me in the loop with our Manica history . My Grand Father, John Schlachter, arrived with the Pioneer Corp ,holding the rank of assistant conductor with the units transport section . I am told that he is buried in Umtali and that the Schlachter family , have had a close relationship with the Steyns, Ekhards and Crugers . My father, Eddie Schlachter started his working career on the Railways in Umtali and was involved with Raylton Sports club and Inyazura during the Salty Du Rand /Ryk Van Schoor era. Although my schooling was in Redcliff and at Gifford Tech ,Bulawayo , I spent most of my National service (intake147) , at Carmel College/Addams Barracks. My father in-law was Col Robin Brown of the Rhodesian Artillery, whose unit also had a close relationship with the town of Umtali. Thank you for the fond memories and for us being be able to show our friends, of the life and times of our Rhodesia. Andrew Sternslow (Umtali) Writes:- Thanks for your blog and all that is shown on it. Memoriesso many for such a short space of time. I went to Chancellor Junior School?1963/4 and Umtali Boys High?.1965/9. Would really like to touch bases with any of my old class mates of the period who may subscribe to your blog. Edelweiss Krige (nee Smith ? Freestone) Writes:- windsong@r63.co.za Just to let you know that my grandfather was with the Moodie trek and married one of the Moodie girls. I believe that he originated from Scotland and when the Prince of Wales came out to Rhodesia in the early 20s specially asked to see him. He was given a farm in Salisbury which can be seen from the airport. Thanks for all the info. Visit. http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/03/melsetter-and-story-of-moodie-pioneers.html MONTMORENCY John Hepple (RhAF) Writes:- Thanks for the article on Rob\'s great uncle. I wonder if he was really buried at Dordrecht, which is 68km east of Molteno. There is a large Boer war cemetery at Molteno and as it is close to Stormburg would seem to be the likely place to be buried. We go to this area with the Geology students and when next in Molteno will try and find the grave. Nick Baalbergen (Intaf) Writes:- He had a great respect for the Boer Commandos, even though he fought for the British. He was one of several prominent military figures to express and record this respect for the Boer farmer/soldiers. Others to do so were British WWII General Montgomery (Monty) and US WWII General Patton TEA TIME AT A FORWARD AIR FIELD Dave Thorne (RhAF) Writes:- The 3rd Unknown in the second photo is Carlos da Silva of 3 Sqn. Sorry, I don?t know ?where?. Rodger Thomas (RhAF) Writes:- I believe the person standing to the right of Danny Svoboda is Carlos Silviera (3 Sqn Captain). Ed Potterton (RhAF) Writes:- Great photographs, Eddy, I think it has to be earlier than 1979-80. Steve Kesby was probably too senior by then to have been a FAF Commander. More likely my 4 Sqn days 76 -78. The verandah in the background ought to help identify the FAF, but I cannot recall. I think probably Mtoko. George Posselt Writes:- Think the \'unknown\' in the front seated on the wall is Brian van Buuren, farmer from Burma Valley, C210. FAF5? John Hill (BSAP) Writes:- Steve Kesby is, I think, son of Oliver Kesby BSAP & Rhodesian cricketer ? now deceased. Last saw Steve in Pinetown some 8 years ago. Think he is/was member of MOTH ?Better-Ole? Shellhole. Visit: http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1113293&comments=1 RAAF F-111 BELLY LANDING Robin Hartley (RhArmy) Writes:- Just a quick note to correct a misapprehension over my participation in the security forces of Rhodesia. I commenced my territorial training in Salisbury in 1955 and I was commissioned into the Federal Army in 1957 with the 1st Battalion RRR. I continued serving until 1980 -for the last 20 years as an LO to the 3rd Brigade.I am not a member of the Hartley family of CAA and Air Rhodesia fame. {Rob, many great men started in RRR, including me. Eddy Norris] RHODESIAN ADVERTISEMENT- PEKING RESTAURANT Paul Brooks (Air Rhod) Writes:- Peking Restaurant in Bulawayo run by Tony Lee- what memories- Used to go fishing with him in a dam close to Bulawayo. and then he left and went to Los Angeles where we stayed with him whilst our family visited Disneyland. He was running a toy shop in LA and doing very well- sadly we lost contact with him. Visit. http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2013/03/peking-chinese-restaurant-bulawayo.html SMILE A WHILE The God\'s Honest Truth In ancient Israel , it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dorothy. And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com. And she said unto Abraham, her husband, \"Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?\" And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, \"How, dear?\" And Dot replied, \"I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you who hath the best price. The sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah\'s Pony Stable (UPS).\" Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever having to move from his tent.. To prevent neighbouring countries from overhearing what the drums were saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew.. It was known as Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS), and she also developed a language to transmit ideas and pictures - Hebrew To The People (HTTP). And the young men did take to Dot Com\'s trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Sybarites, or NERDS. And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer, Brother William of Gates, who bought off every drum maker in the land. Indeed he did insist on drums to be made that would work only with Brother Gates\' drumheads and drumsticks. And Dot did say, \"Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others.\" And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel , or eBay as it came to be known. He said, \"We need a name that reflects what we are.\" And Dot replied, \"Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.\" \"YAHOO,\" said Abraham. And because it was Dot\'s idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com. Abraham\'s cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot\'s drums to locate things around the countryside. It soon became known as God\'s Own Official Guide to Locating Everything (GOOGLE). That is how it all began. And that\'s the truth.... \"Campers: Nature\'s way of feeding mosquitoes.\'\' End of Newsletter Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAfs.